What can I say about the wheel of time series that hasn’t already been said. This book continues on the story of Rand and the rest of his gang. This series is fantastic and really paints a picture of the world that the book is set in. Everything is described in vivid detail. I’m currently on book 4 as I’m writing this and I will just say this. To those of you who are contemplating stopping after reading book 1. Give Book 2 and for that matter Book 3 a shot. I think Book 2 Is the best one so far, and it solidified my interest in this series. As someone who never really read a series of this size (14 books) its a little intimidating but now I am determined to find out what happens and Book 2 really gets you addicted to this series and Book 3 on further enhances that addiction.
Rated 5 out of 5
Bryan Desmond –
The Great Hunt improves upon the first book in every conceivable way. The Eye of the World was really good, but it had some pacing issues, and it had to wrestle with the fact that to get it’s foot in the door it had to be very Tolkien-esque. The Great Hunt on the other hand is a great book. It’s like Jordan got the first one out of the way, sat down, and said, ‘Okay, let’s open this thing up.’ I think I am now starting to see The Wheel of Time’s true colors shine through, and it was very satisfying to watch.This is an extremely well-paced book. The reader can take a pretty good guess what is going to happen during its plot, and yet it doesn’t totally fall to predictability. And even the things that I did see coming were still fun. While the first book plods along a bit at the beginning, this one moves naturally and flows through its builds and its releases. We already know most all of the characters (including a couple I did not expect to see again), and so we are able to just sit back and take in the story. I mentioned it above but I really feel like the series is starting to form its own identity with this installment. The world is opened up in new and interesting ways (Portal Stones/Mirrors of the Wheel immediately come to mind, as do the Seanchan and their exotic culture), and Jordan’s skill as a writer is apparent in several powerful, trippy scenes. Jordan is not shying away from the freedom that a story based on cycles and cycles, years and years of time and events gives him. And the nature of the One Power (as we discover more about it alongside the characters) gives way to some very cool scenes.I believe the hook is in me now. And having just ended the second installment I am eager to see where the story goes next. On to The Dragon Reborn.Death is lighter than a feather, duty heavier than a mountain.Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.
Rated 5 out of 5
Joyce Hertzoff –
In the second book of the Wheel of Time series, the Horn of Valere is stolen by Fain, along with Mat’s dagger, and a hunt is begun. of course, not only Mat, but Rand and Perrin, even Loial join the hunt. Meanwhile, Egwene, Nynaeve, Elayne and Min are lured away from Tar Valon and have their own adventure, ending up enslaved in Falme. Tensions run high throughout the novel. We see more about each of the character’s abilities and personalities. Terrific read.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sean –
Second novel in one of the greatest series ever written. Not the best in the series, but not the worst either. If you’ve read the first and you are considering continuing, you really should. If you haven’t read the first, start with “The Eye of the World”. As one progresses through the series more and more characters are added which may be daunting for new readers of fantasy, but all the characters stories are interesting and move the plot along nicely.Names of places and people can be confusing for those not used to fantasy writing, but the author conveniently provides a pronunciation guide at the end of the novel that can easily be referenced (although the presence of such a thing is telling in-and-of itself).This series as a whole has everything one could wish for from high fantasy: action, magic, politics, history, relationships, character growth, triumph, betrayal, hope, tragedy, comedy. Not as dark as A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones), not as light as Narnia, not as magical as Harry Potter, not as political as Malazan, and not as historical as Lord of the Rings. However, what this series accomplishes is a blend of all of these in a masterful work of art that is unrivaled in balance across themes.RIP Robert Jordan, may your work be preserved from the turning of the wheel to delight future generations, time without end.
Rated 5 out of 5
L. Erickson –
I read a lot of fantasy fiction, and this series was recommended to me by many people. I was reluctant to dive into a 12 book series, and was not hooked by Book 1, but I am now, with Book 2. Book 1 was a little slow setting up for my taste, and with so many characters to introduce, I didn’t find myself very attached to any of them. I did/do like the ‘wheel of time’ and ‘pattern’ theme, as a way of exploring themes of free will vs. destiny, legend vs. history, and the idea of history-making. I also liked the theme of men and women having different ways of channeling the ‘One Power’ (a twist on yin/yang) and the idea of a world in which only women can channel, due to so many men going mad from the past. It’s a nice setup for exploring a lot of different social and occult themes.Since my favorite parts of fantasy fiction are always those concerning magic, ‘seeing’, and occult abilities, Book 2 appeals to me more because some of it takes place at Tar Valon, where Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne (the 3 main women protagonists) begin to learn how to utilize their natural abilities. This is interrupted by some dramatic plot twists which I won’t spoil here, but either way, they continue to learn. Rand also finally begins to see who he is and his own abilities. I find some characters annoying – Nynaeve’s ongoing hatred of Moraine seems displaced, surely at this point we know Moraine is just another player and not controlling events. Mat is also frustrating at times, with his immaturity and chip on his shoulder. But what’s a cast of characters without some complexity? Overall, by the end of Book 2, we have a much better sense of our main characters from Two Rivers, as well as those who have joined them along the way, and a lot of new plot developments too. At this point I can see the potential for a long series, and am ready to keep going.If you like well-written, character-driven fantasy fiction with lots of legend and magic included, this series is a good bet.
Rated 5 out of 5
Elijah John Kutzke –
This book can be read on its own or in its series, either way it’s a great read! Adventure, mystery, and fantasy wrapped up together with a smattering of horror and a wide range of humor, this is one book you’ll enjoy reading for years. Though the author died while finishing this series, it was completed by Brandon Sanderson, a man inspired by Robert Jordan, using the notes left behind by Mr. Jordan; the last three volumes are amazingly similar in style and none of the magic found within this series was lost, a stunning feat by Sanderson, I must say. This particular volume is indispensable to the series as it introduces new creatures, allies and foes that will be mentioned in later volumes; it also provides greater insight into each of the characters and their problems. If you love to read and enjoy fantasy adventures, then look no further than this book and its associated volumes! “The Great Hunt” will keep you enthralled for days; It takes great effort to stop reading!
Rated 5 out of 5
Steven M. Brown –
This third-person limited series can make for a good steady read or listen. The characters feel real to the point that you can get annoyed with them and never get taken out of the story. The flaws and characteristics feel natural and thus flow well with the story. Sometimes a bit of third-person omniscient slips out but it still feels natural and did not take me out.Considering the length of the series I am curious how things will progress. It is exciting and I can not predict much of anything as I am unsure whether the looming main antagonist is the real big bad Considering how much we have seen him already in just the first two books.I am listening to the audible version and as the readers are excellent they pull you deeply in adding extra flavor to it.I do think the series is appropriate for young adults and above. I would caution letting younger children read it without the parents going through it first. There is nothing explicit nor any real bad language.The characters, setting, and plot are all well established and nothing is there to pull the reader out. I do think that for the epic fantasy purest this is a must-read for someone dipping their toes into the genre this might be a bit much but worth it. (Future Steven here and I will say that while the first two books feel like traditional epic fantasy with each book the characters and style morphs a bit. Being deep in the series now it does not feel as if Rand is the same character or at least we are not given the same perspective from him at times. The story is still great but his friend’s stories are at times more interesting. Which is sort of like complaining that it is raining gold.)I feel that the action will pick up more as the series goes on, but there is still a.good amount in the story as well as good balance of humor and romance.
Rated 5 out of 5
J Michael Harper –
After decades of my love of reading, I have been introduced to this series and it has grabbed and sucked me in like no other. Getting away from reality is a challenge but once you pass the first 66 pages in book one, you are in the presence of Kings,Queens and people with special abilities. Let’s throw in a hunt for a Horn and a Lord who denies himself and you have an adventure worth living. My BFF turned me into this series, along with a podcast on YouTube called The Way of the Leaf which airs Tuesday evening at 7:30. That opened another world lost to me for years. I am so intrigued with this series as there are so many twists and plots you cannot look into the future of it without reading it all. I am so happy to be enjoying adventures through out the span of time. I would surely recommend it to any and all ages. It is so sweet to read a book again that focuses on telling a story and not filled with vulgarity. Thank you, Kay, for the introduction to superior reading. Enjoy
Rated 5 out of 5
Sumant –
This book was simply amazing and fast paced from the start to the epic conclusion.The book is basically divided according to into three parts :1.Fal Dara2.Hunt3.SenchanThe book basically starts with our group of heroes who we last saw in Fal Dara, but in this book Rand slowly starts to discover what it takes to carry an heron marked blade.We are also introduced to some new characters like Ingatar and Heurin in this book and not to forget Captain domon who rescued Thom Merilin and Rand in last book with his ship spray.Ingatar was truly a superb character for me in this book from the start to last, basically as the cover says this book is about the hunt which starts once some events take place at Fal Dara.for the hunt our group of heroes Mat,Perrin and Rand go after trollocs who have stolen a thing of high value for the dragon reborn.Nyaneve and Egwene head off to white tower as was the foregone conclusion in the previous book and meet some of the characters which we met in Eye of the world.I found the hunt part very much absorbing to read and the time warp part in which Rand and Heurin are lost is also superb.Rand very much matures as a character in this book, but Mat remains the annoying one who always seems to speak wrong things at the wrong time and Perrin keeps on sulking about his wolf powers in this book too.The ogier stedding part was also good to read where in we come to know more about the ogier who is accompanying them, but the fast paced part of the book was all the action which takes place in Senchan, it was written quite superbly except for typecast part about Egwene written in the end.I found this book better than Eye of the world because the story and plot seems to advance very fast, which was not the case in start of Eye of the world.The only annoying part is Jordan typecasting his male and female characters, due to which the boys are always astounded by the girls and girls seem to think boys as wool headed fools.
Rated 5 out of 5
Phillip Allen –
When I saw that this novel comprised some 14 individual books (all at least 700 pages each, small print), I had second thoughts. Reading something this extensive would probably take me a year. And if it turns out to be uninteresting? Worse. Well, I could not have been more wrong. The story is absolutely fascinating, electrifying, hypnotic. I’ve already sped through the first two books in about as many weeks. I cannot recommend this novel series enough. If you enjoy high fantasy (not that Harry Potter nonsense), such as Lord of the Rings, etc., then this is the novel series for you. In places, the pace is very slow, but this is good, because the narrative pulls you into character and details you just know you will need later on in order to understand everything. Yes, it is a very complex story, but this also is good. It’s like digging in to the richest, most well prepared, multi-course dinner you’ve ever eaten. And every bite counts. Again, if you loved Lord of the Rings, you will definitely love this novel series.
Tim –
What can I say about the wheel of time series that hasn’t already been said. This book continues on the story of Rand and the rest of his gang. This series is fantastic and really paints a picture of the world that the book is set in. Everything is described in vivid detail. I’m currently on book 4 as I’m writing this and I will just say this. To those of you who are contemplating stopping after reading book 1. Give Book 2 and for that matter Book 3 a shot. I think Book 2 Is the best one so far, and it solidified my interest in this series. As someone who never really read a series of this size (14 books) its a little intimidating but now I am determined to find out what happens and Book 2 really gets you addicted to this series and Book 3 on further enhances that addiction.
Bryan Desmond –
The Great Hunt improves upon the first book in every conceivable way. The Eye of the World was really good, but it had some pacing issues, and it had to wrestle with the fact that to get it’s foot in the door it had to be very Tolkien-esque. The Great Hunt on the other hand is a great book. It’s like Jordan got the first one out of the way, sat down, and said, ‘Okay, let’s open this thing up.’ I think I am now starting to see The Wheel of Time’s true colors shine through, and it was very satisfying to watch.This is an extremely well-paced book. The reader can take a pretty good guess what is going to happen during its plot, and yet it doesn’t totally fall to predictability. And even the things that I did see coming were still fun. While the first book plods along a bit at the beginning, this one moves naturally and flows through its builds and its releases. We already know most all of the characters (including a couple I did not expect to see again), and so we are able to just sit back and take in the story. I mentioned it above but I really feel like the series is starting to form its own identity with this installment. The world is opened up in new and interesting ways (Portal Stones/Mirrors of the Wheel immediately come to mind, as do the Seanchan and their exotic culture), and Jordan’s skill as a writer is apparent in several powerful, trippy scenes. Jordan is not shying away from the freedom that a story based on cycles and cycles, years and years of time and events gives him. And the nature of the One Power (as we discover more about it alongside the characters) gives way to some very cool scenes.I believe the hook is in me now. And having just ended the second installment I am eager to see where the story goes next. On to The Dragon Reborn.Death is lighter than a feather, duty heavier than a mountain.Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.
Joyce Hertzoff –
In the second book of the Wheel of Time series, the Horn of Valere is stolen by Fain, along with Mat’s dagger, and a hunt is begun. of course, not only Mat, but Rand and Perrin, even Loial join the hunt. Meanwhile, Egwene, Nynaeve, Elayne and Min are lured away from Tar Valon and have their own adventure, ending up enslaved in Falme. Tensions run high throughout the novel. We see more about each of the character’s abilities and personalities. Terrific read.
Sean –
Second novel in one of the greatest series ever written. Not the best in the series, but not the worst either. If you’ve read the first and you are considering continuing, you really should. If you haven’t read the first, start with “The Eye of the World”. As one progresses through the series more and more characters are added which may be daunting for new readers of fantasy, but all the characters stories are interesting and move the plot along nicely.Names of places and people can be confusing for those not used to fantasy writing, but the author conveniently provides a pronunciation guide at the end of the novel that can easily be referenced (although the presence of such a thing is telling in-and-of itself).This series as a whole has everything one could wish for from high fantasy: action, magic, politics, history, relationships, character growth, triumph, betrayal, hope, tragedy, comedy. Not as dark as A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones), not as light as Narnia, not as magical as Harry Potter, not as political as Malazan, and not as historical as Lord of the Rings. However, what this series accomplishes is a blend of all of these in a masterful work of art that is unrivaled in balance across themes.RIP Robert Jordan, may your work be preserved from the turning of the wheel to delight future generations, time without end.
L. Erickson –
I read a lot of fantasy fiction, and this series was recommended to me by many people. I was reluctant to dive into a 12 book series, and was not hooked by Book 1, but I am now, with Book 2. Book 1 was a little slow setting up for my taste, and with so many characters to introduce, I didn’t find myself very attached to any of them. I did/do like the ‘wheel of time’ and ‘pattern’ theme, as a way of exploring themes of free will vs. destiny, legend vs. history, and the idea of history-making. I also liked the theme of men and women having different ways of channeling the ‘One Power’ (a twist on yin/yang) and the idea of a world in which only women can channel, due to so many men going mad from the past. It’s a nice setup for exploring a lot of different social and occult themes.Since my favorite parts of fantasy fiction are always those concerning magic, ‘seeing’, and occult abilities, Book 2 appeals to me more because some of it takes place at Tar Valon, where Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne (the 3 main women protagonists) begin to learn how to utilize their natural abilities. This is interrupted by some dramatic plot twists which I won’t spoil here, but either way, they continue to learn. Rand also finally begins to see who he is and his own abilities. I find some characters annoying – Nynaeve’s ongoing hatred of Moraine seems displaced, surely at this point we know Moraine is just another player and not controlling events. Mat is also frustrating at times, with his immaturity and chip on his shoulder. But what’s a cast of characters without some complexity? Overall, by the end of Book 2, we have a much better sense of our main characters from Two Rivers, as well as those who have joined them along the way, and a lot of new plot developments too. At this point I can see the potential for a long series, and am ready to keep going.If you like well-written, character-driven fantasy fiction with lots of legend and magic included, this series is a good bet.
Elijah John Kutzke –
This book can be read on its own or in its series, either way it’s a great read! Adventure, mystery, and fantasy wrapped up together with a smattering of horror and a wide range of humor, this is one book you’ll enjoy reading for years. Though the author died while finishing this series, it was completed by Brandon Sanderson, a man inspired by Robert Jordan, using the notes left behind by Mr. Jordan; the last three volumes are amazingly similar in style and none of the magic found within this series was lost, a stunning feat by Sanderson, I must say. This particular volume is indispensable to the series as it introduces new creatures, allies and foes that will be mentioned in later volumes; it also provides greater insight into each of the characters and their problems. If you love to read and enjoy fantasy adventures, then look no further than this book and its associated volumes! “The Great Hunt” will keep you enthralled for days; It takes great effort to stop reading!
Steven M. Brown –
This third-person limited series can make for a good steady read or listen. The characters feel real to the point that you can get annoyed with them and never get taken out of the story. The flaws and characteristics feel natural and thus flow well with the story. Sometimes a bit of third-person omniscient slips out but it still feels natural and did not take me out.Considering the length of the series I am curious how things will progress. It is exciting and I can not predict much of anything as I am unsure whether the looming main antagonist is the real big bad Considering how much we have seen him already in just the first two books.I am listening to the audible version and as the readers are excellent they pull you deeply in adding extra flavor to it.I do think the series is appropriate for young adults and above. I would caution letting younger children read it without the parents going through it first. There is nothing explicit nor any real bad language.The characters, setting, and plot are all well established and nothing is there to pull the reader out. I do think that for the epic fantasy purest this is a must-read for someone dipping their toes into the genre this might be a bit much but worth it. (Future Steven here and I will say that while the first two books feel like traditional epic fantasy with each book the characters and style morphs a bit. Being deep in the series now it does not feel as if Rand is the same character or at least we are not given the same perspective from him at times. The story is still great but his friend’s stories are at times more interesting. Which is sort of like complaining that it is raining gold.)I feel that the action will pick up more as the series goes on, but there is still a.good amount in the story as well as good balance of humor and romance.
J Michael Harper –
After decades of my love of reading, I have been introduced to this series and it has grabbed and sucked me in like no other. Getting away from reality is a challenge but once you pass the first 66 pages in book one, you are in the presence of Kings,Queens and people with special abilities. Let’s throw in a hunt for a Horn and a Lord who denies himself and you have an adventure worth living. My BFF turned me into this series, along with a podcast on YouTube called The Way of the Leaf which airs Tuesday evening at 7:30. That opened another world lost to me for years. I am so intrigued with this series as there are so many twists and plots you cannot look into the future of it without reading it all. I am so happy to be enjoying adventures through out the span of time. I would surely recommend it to any and all ages. It is so sweet to read a book again that focuses on telling a story and not filled with vulgarity. Thank you, Kay, for the introduction to superior reading. Enjoy
Sumant –
This book was simply amazing and fast paced from the start to the epic conclusion.The book is basically divided according to into three parts :1.Fal Dara2.Hunt3.SenchanThe book basically starts with our group of heroes who we last saw in Fal Dara, but in this book Rand slowly starts to discover what it takes to carry an heron marked blade.We are also introduced to some new characters like Ingatar and Heurin in this book and not to forget Captain domon who rescued Thom Merilin and Rand in last book with his ship spray.Ingatar was truly a superb character for me in this book from the start to last, basically as the cover says this book is about the hunt which starts once some events take place at Fal Dara.for the hunt our group of heroes Mat,Perrin and Rand go after trollocs who have stolen a thing of high value for the dragon reborn.Nyaneve and Egwene head off to white tower as was the foregone conclusion in the previous book and meet some of the characters which we met in Eye of the world.I found the hunt part very much absorbing to read and the time warp part in which Rand and Heurin are lost is also superb.Rand very much matures as a character in this book, but Mat remains the annoying one who always seems to speak wrong things at the wrong time and Perrin keeps on sulking about his wolf powers in this book too.The ogier stedding part was also good to read where in we come to know more about the ogier who is accompanying them, but the fast paced part of the book was all the action which takes place in Senchan, it was written quite superbly except for typecast part about Egwene written in the end.I found this book better than Eye of the world because the story and plot seems to advance very fast, which was not the case in start of Eye of the world.The only annoying part is Jordan typecasting his male and female characters, due to which the boys are always astounded by the girls and girls seem to think boys as wool headed fools.
Phillip Allen –
When I saw that this novel comprised some 14 individual books (all at least 700 pages each, small print), I had second thoughts. Reading something this extensive would probably take me a year. And if it turns out to be uninteresting? Worse. Well, I could not have been more wrong. The story is absolutely fascinating, electrifying, hypnotic. I’ve already sped through the first two books in about as many weeks. I cannot recommend this novel series enough. If you enjoy high fantasy (not that Harry Potter nonsense), such as Lord of the Rings, etc., then this is the novel series for you. In places, the pace is very slow, but this is good, because the narrative pulls you into character and details you just know you will need later on in order to understand everything. Yes, it is a very complex story, but this also is good. It’s like digging in to the richest, most well prepared, multi-course dinner you’ve ever eaten. And every bite counts. Again, if you loved Lord of the Rings, you will definitely love this novel series.